Better broadband for Bosham, Selsey, Sidlesham

HIGH-SPEED fibre broadband is finally set to arrive around Chichester.

Bosham, Selsey and Sidlesham can now access faster internet – with others set to benefit soon as well.

“Our exciting project to bring better, faster broadband to the majority of the county is now gaining real momentum,” said Lionel Barnard, cabinet member for residents’ services at West Sussex County Council.

The county council’s Better Connected project has announced new green fibre cabinets – connected to exchanges at Bosham, Selsey and Sidlesham – meaning these areas can now access high-speed fibre broadband.

Cllr Barnard added: “Improved broadband speeds can transform how we work, live and communicate. This exciting technology can improve our quality of life and help to grow our economy by enabling new businesses to start up and existing ones to prosper.”

The Better Connected project involves the county council, BT and the government’s broadband delivery UK initiative.

Exchange areas included in phase two, which are scheduled to provide access to high-speed fibre broadband services before the end of the year, include Birdham, Bracklesham Bay, Chichester, Halnaker, East Lavant, Fishbourne and Westhampnett.

The government’s communications minister Ed Vaizey said: “This fantastic news marks the next stage of a remarkable transformation of broadband in West Sussex.”

Bill Murphy, managing director of next generation access for BT, said: “Fibre broadband is also a huge boost for local households whether they use the internet for on-line training and development, shopping or entertainment.”

More than 40 new roadside fibre broadband cabinets are being built and connected to power supplies and BT’s fibre-optic network in phase one of the eight-phase roll-out in West Sussex. The multi-million pound partnership is jointly funded by West Sussex Council, which is investing £6.26m, BT is contributing £7.6m, and £6.26m is coming from the government’s initiative fund.

A West Sussex County Council spokeswoman added that when a cabinet was live, customers could contact their internet service provider to buy fibre broadband services.